Devon Workman | July 28, 2026 | Premises Liability
If you rent a place to live in Florida, your landlord is legally required to keep the property in a reasonably safe, livable condition. If they let a known hazard go unfixed and you suffer an injury because of it, that could go beyond a maintenance issue and could entitle you to compensation by filing a negligence lawsuit.
A premises liability attorney can walk you through your legal options in these circumstances during a free consultation, but read on for the information you should know in the meantime.
What Does Florida Law Require of Landlords?
Per Florida Statutes Section 83.51, landlords are required to maintain their properties throughout the entire tenancy. That means complying with all applicable building, housing, and health codes. In cases where no specific code applies, the landlord is still responsible for keeping the major structural components of the property in good working order.
That includes:
- Roofs
- Walls
- Foundations
- Floors
- Steps
- Porches
- Windows and doors
- Plumbing systems
For multi-unit buildings like apartment complexes, the landlord’s responsibilities go even further, requiring them to keep common areas clean and safe. Things like pest control and proper garbage removal also fall under their duties.
Note that any clause in a lease agreement that tries to limit the landlord’s liability for injuries is unenforceable under Florida Statutes Section 83.47. That means that even if you signed something that says otherwise, the law doesn’t allow landlords to contract their way out of basic safety obligations.
Proving Negligence in a Landlord Injury Case
To hold a landlord responsible for your injuries, you’ll need to establish four things: that the landlord had a duty to maintain the property, that they failed to meet that duty, that their failure caused the accident, and that you suffered real damages as a result.
An important part of this comes down to what the landlord knew and when they knew it. If you reported a broken railing three weeks ago and nothing was done about it, that paints a very different picture than a railing that snapped without warning. Courts closely examine whether the landlord had sufficient time to address the problem and chose not to.
Florida’s comparative negligence law could affect your claim as well. Under state law, your compensation may be reduced if you were partly at fault for what happened. And if a court finds that you were more than 50% responsible for the accident, you may lose your right to recover compensation from the other party.
What Should I Do After Being Injured on Rental Property?
The steps you take after an injury can affect both your health and your ability to pursue a negligence claim.
If you’re hurt because of unsafe conditions in a rental property, you should:
- Seek medical attention as soon as possible.
- Report the hazardous condition to your landlord or property manager.
- Take photos or videos of the dangerous condition and your injuries.
- Keep copies of medical bills, repair requests, and other related records.
- Speak with an experienced premises liability lawyer before accepting a settlement or giving a recorded statement.
Taking these steps can help preserve important evidence and strengthen your claim. An experienced Florida premises liability attorney can explain your rights and help you pursue the compensation you deserve.
How Much Time Do I Have to File a Negligent Landlord Lawsuit in Florida?
Florida generally gives you two years from the date of your injury to file a negligence lawsuit against your landlord. While two years may seem like plenty of time, building a strong negligence claim often takes longer than people expect. Waiting too long means losing your right to pursue compensation entirely.
There are also exceptions that can adjust this time limit in some cases. It’s best to seek legal advice as soon as you can to ensure you file your claim within the applicable deadline.
Contact the Clermont Premises Liability Attorneys at Workman Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers for a Free Consultation
If you’ve been injured because your landlord in Florida failed to maintain safe living conditions, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.
Workman Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers can help you pursue the compensation you deserve. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with a Clermont premises liability lawyer.
We proudly serve Fort Lauderdale, Clermont, and the surrounding areas throughout Florida.
Workman Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers – Fort Lauderdale Office
633 S Andrews Ave Ste 401, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
(954) 361-3997
Workman Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers – Clermont Office
1655 E Hwy 50 ste 316, Clermont, FL 34711
(352) 773-3866